I start out cleaning and relubing all my reels. This year that included adding carbon fiber drag washers to three of them after polishing the washers and gear. Then it's the rods. Check all guides, clean and seal cork grips, and mark application on similar rods. On to baits starting with spinnerbaits. I'll check hooks for sharpness, replace skirts, polish or replace blades.  Next is hard baits. After organizing and marking boxes as to content I'll start with top-waters replacing hooks and split rings where necessary and sharpening hooks on hollow body frogs and spoons. I'll do the same with cranks and when done, I'll replace any baits that were lost or are no longer worth the time and effort to get into fishing condition. Plastics are next, mostly just organizing and replenishing. The same goes for hooks, weights, terminal tackle, blades, skirts, etc.

 This whole process takes me about five weeks. At this point, I start driving the wife nuts as I'm already finished and other than getting the boat and trailer ready.  Seeing as I've completed all but the boat and trailer and opening day at the power plant lakes is over four weeks away, it's time to start antagonizing the cat and momma so I have no problem getting out for at least the first couple of week-ends before either one figures out my strategy.

 

 

This photo was taken while inventorying and organizing for the 2011 season.

Hey W.W.  The first thing I notice in your pic was the marker bouy.  Only one?? LOL  I keep six on the boat and always have one on deck to throw out after hooking a fish on open water structure. Old school, old fart here.